Bottesford Town V Thackley AFC- Match Preview

Macron NCEL Premier Division- Saturday 3rd January 2026- Kick Off: 3.00pm

Match Preview by Cayden Sands

Overview:
It’s another day on the road for Thackley as they face Bottesford Town.

Following on from last week’s disappointing defeat to Albion Sports, the squad will be hoping to put this right against what is bound to be a very tough opposition in Lincolnshire.

Being the opening game of 2026, there will also be a big eagerness to get the calendar year off to the best start possible as the team looks to climb the league table.

The Opposition:
Since their previous meeting with Thackley, Bottesford Town have managed to turn their season around significantly, with their result in the aforementioned game being a key contributor to this.

Though they lingered in the relegation zone in the season’s early stages, the ‘Poachers’ have seen improved results that have allowed them to reach the lower end of mid table.

Notable scores include their impressive 5-2 win against Pickering Town, key wins against Eccleshill United and Horbury Town by a 1-0 score line and their earlier 3-2 win against Horbury.

The side also had a good run into the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, exiting the competition against Northern Premier League side Matlock Town in a game that saw them lose by a 4-1 margin, but they managed a good display, even equalising against the higher opponent.

Key Players:
The team’s top goal scorer this season has proven to be Jack McMenemy, who currently has a respectable 13 to his name in all competitions, with his goals in the FA Cup proving important in getting the side all the way into the main qualifying rounds.

Behind him is Okera Simmonds, who has six goals.

Previous Meeting:
The most recent meeting between Bottesford and Thackley saw the Dennyboys defeated 4-2 in an exciting game for the neutral at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield.

After taking the lead early on thanks to Hass Gorji, Thackley were unable to consolidate, with their opponents leading 2-1 going into half time.

Tom Parkinson would equalise, but Bottesford would prove to be a clinical side on this occasion, taking all the points.

Ground Description and Directions:
Bottesford’s Barrett Steel Stadium is one of the league’s more modern facilities, boasting an artificial surface.

The ground sits at a capacity of 1,000, with 300 of this being covered areas, whilst there are also 150 seats.

The ground also features a clubhouse, serving a variety of beverages.

Directions:
Exit M180 via M181-Scunthorpe. At circle (Berkeley Hotel), turn right into Scotter Road. At circle (Asda) straight ahead, 2nd left into South Park road then on to Sunningdale Road, turn right into Goodwood Road, Birch Park at end (right turn). Please note that Goodwood Road is not suitable for large vehicles. Instead, take 2nd right off Sunningdale Road which is Quebec Road, then 2nd right which is Ontario Road down to the bottom and ground is on the left.

(Directions: NCEL Website)

Admission Prices:
Adults: £7
Concessions: £4
U16: FREE

(Admission Prices: NCEL Website)